Through this past year I have thought a lot about how many opportunities are missed and time is lost for memories because many of us say “no” to impulsive plans, especially a vacation. Anxiety spikes as you think about whether we are able to pay for it, do we have to request time off from work, do we have enough days or will we even enjoy it? Too many what-ifs.

2020 was a hard year for us all with isolation from friends and families, vacation destinations closed, being confined to home for work and pleasure and the very sad loss of those close to us due to the virus. As 2021 is passing by us, we start to see bars, restaurants and museums opening up again and tickets going on sale for large events. This is when we need to make up for lost time and say “yes” to last-minute trips with families and friends.

Although I personally saved a lot of money during this past year from the lack of concerts, eating out and going on weekend getaways, I find myself asking if I would be happy to do that all of the time? Quickly my head says “No.” I would rather spend money on an experience and see something new than hoard cash in my bank account. Never leaving my apartment is not living.

Two weeks ago, my boyfriend and I decided to go to New Hampshire to ski. We had only learned how to ski the week prior and already had the itch to get back on the slopes again. We booked our room, dropped our dog off at my mom’s house and headed north, stopping in Boston for lunch and some sightseeing. Then, 2.5 hours later, we made it to Concord, New Hampshire, and had zero regrets. The area we stayed in was quaint and cozy with little boutique shops and historical charm — a nice change from the bustling streets of Center City Philadelphia. We settled into our hotel room for the night and woke up refreshed for a day on the slopes.

It was a perfect 29 degrees and sunny at Pats Peak Ski Area. The sun was shining but the snow was not melting. As it was our first time there, we were unsure of the number of beginner slopes, so we spent some time reviewing the trail maps. We then got our equipment and were off to our first lift.

The trails were beautiful with gradual curves, mini jumps, lots of tall pine trees and a view from the top of neighboring mountains. It looked just like a painting. We made our way down the first time, trying to remember what we were taught the week before so we wouldn’t fall right down. We didn’t! It was a miracle. We had our footing back and went up as many times as we could, only breaking for a quick bite to eat so time wouldn’t be wasted. By the end of the day we were exhausted, but it was what we wanted. It felt great.

I am glad we decided at the last minute to book this trip instead of taking weeks to plan. Larger trips to destinations outside of the country will take more time to plan, but something within a drive to other parts of the United States can be impulsive.

Bottom line of this whole spiel is to just say “Yes.” We have limited time on this Earth, and we never know when it will come to an end. Ask yourself, “Do I want to see all I can before I die or do I want mountains of money that I will never spend?” I hope the answer is you want to see all you can. That is what makes life worth living in these uncertain times. Say “Yes,” get out there, spend that money and take it all in. You won’t regret it.

— Audrey Lee, assistant editor